These Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls are a tasty treat! Packed with juicy turkey meat and a burst of sweet cranberry, they make a fun appetizer or snack.
Honestly, who can resist flaky pastry? I love serving these at parties, and they disappear in a flash. You might want to keep some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is the star of this dish! If you want a richer flavor, you can substitute ground chicken or even pork. They provide different tastes but work just as well in this recipe.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are great, but dried cranberries are easier to work with and add sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, try chopped apples or raisins instead for a similar texture and flavor.
Puff Pastry: The flaky texture of puff pastry is essential. If you’re out of puff pastry, phyllo dough can be a lighter alternative, though it will be crispier. Just be sure to layer it with a little butter in between sheets.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the filling. If you’re gluten-free, use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Oats can also substitute for a hearty texture.
How Do I Ensure My Sausage Rolls Are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing your sausage rolls properly is key to keeping all that tasty filling inside! Here’s how to do it:
- After placing the turkey mixture along the pastry, brush one edge with beaten egg; this acts as glue.
- Roll the pastry tightly over the filling, pressing down to seal the edges as you go.
- Make sure to pinch the seams together well, so they don’t pop open while baking!
For an added safeguard, you can dab a little more egg wash around the edge before rolling to ensure a good seal. Happy baking!
Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten (plus 1 extra for egg wash)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sage or mixed herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 oz/225 g), thawed if frozen
- Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking, so in total, it’s around 50 minutes until you can enjoy these delicious rolls! The perfect combination for a quick snack or an appetizer at a gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is super important!
2. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the ground turkey, cranberries, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried sage, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use one of your beaten eggs to help bind everything together. Mix it well until all the ingredients are nicely combined.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Take the puff pastry sheet and roll it out on a clean surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into about 4-6 equal rectangular strips, depending on how big you’d like your sausage rolls.
4. Fill the Pastry:
Now, grab your turkey mixture and divide it evenly. Form logs of the mixture and place them along the center of each pastry strip.
5. Roll and Seal:
Brush one edge of the pastry strip with the remaining beaten egg. This part acts as glue! Roll the pastry tightly around the filling to encase it, and press the edges together to seal well. Make sure there are no gaps!
6. Bake the Rolls:
Place the sausage rolls seam-side down on the lined baking tray. Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg for a lovely golden color. If desired, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
7. Create Vent Holes:
Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on top of each roll. This step is important because it allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from getting soggy.
8. Time to Bake:
Pop your rolls into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re golden and delicious, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. You can slice them or serve them whole—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your Turkey & Cranberry Sausage Rolls—perfect for parties or as a delightful snack anytime!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground turkey, you can also use ground chicken, pork, or beef. Each will provide a different flavor, so feel free to experiment!
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
No worries! You can substitute puff pastry with phyllo dough for a lighter version. Just layer a few sheets with melted butter in between for best results.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain that flaky texture!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage rolls ahead of time, assemble them, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to bake them fresh for the best taste and texture!
